In an article also published May 22, The Wall Street Journal called Obama’s visit to Vietnam an historic trip, saying that it will open a new chapter in the two nation’s bilateral ties and potentially deepen the Vietnam – US relationship.

The Washington Post noted that the US President’s visit to Vietnam reflects a new step in bilateral relations.

The article said 41 years after the end of the Vietnam War and 21 years after relations were normalised, the President wants to lift Vietnam–US relations to a new height.

Belgian broadcaster Radio Television Belge de la Communaute Francaise (RTBF) highlighted that the visit aims to strengthen trade and strategic ties with Hanoi in the context of Chinese aggression in the region.

Economically, the two countries hope to see a rapid conclusion of the agreement TPP sealed by 12 countries in the region, which has not yet been ratified by the US Congress, according to RTBF.

It also cited the US Special Trade Representative Michael Froman as saying that the middle class in Vietnam is expected to double between 2014-2020. He said that the removal or reduction of tariffs will offer opportunities for US firms.

US President Barack Obama started his first visit to Vietnam on May 23 at the invitation of President Tran Dai Quang.

The visit marks the third visit of a US President to the nation, after Bill Clinton in 2000 and George W. Bush in 2006.-VNA